Solid as a rock - Granite Rock

Today the long awaited counter tops were installed. What seems like year ago (I think it actually was last year!) selected three different type of granite for the kitchen, master bath and first floor main bath. We had been waiting for these things forever - and well worth the wait, they look great!

Fireplace transformation

The fireplace has finally become the focus of our attention. After a long long period of disappointments:

• found out we couldn't have a traditional wood burning fireplace unless we had the entire chimney and firebox dismantled and completely rebuilt
• found out that the wood burning insert we could have installed looked like something better suited for a doll house
  
• found out the gas insert we were told we would have to install to meet code would have a sheet of glass over the flame at all times
• finding a mason who would tackle the entire job (not just one part) and do a good job

In the end I have to admit that I am much more happy with the final product than I thought I would be -- it looks amazing. We are still waiting on mantel to come in so it can be installed and the stone work finish around it but it looks great otherwise!

The stone veneer is Canyon Rock by GAF
The hearth is a solid slab of Pennsylvania blue stone.
The gas insert is by Heat & Glo
Mantel will be White Oak Slab

Here are some photos of the fireplace transformation (thanks to the contractor for taking the middle photo and sending it to us while we were out of town)

Kitchen Cabinets. Finally.

Today the cabinets finally began to be installed. After a very, very long wait and many many stressful meetings and question/answer sessions they are finally here. A small section has been installed the remainder will be installed tomorrow. They look great!

We discovered a problem, that we aren't to pleased about. It seems that the services for the island (water, drains and electric) were actually installed 1 foot closer to the wall then they should have been. This has forced the island closer to the opening between the living room and other counter concerning us about the rounded extension on the island counter top. We have decided to wait until Friday and see what the counter top experts have to say when they arrive on Friday to measure.

Eventually something HAS to go right!

Floors are finished -- time to cover them up!

Well now that the floors are all finished and they sat for a week, it is time to get things underway again. Tonight we covered the entire floor with Red Rosin Paper what a chore! (man am I out of shape and getting old!) It looks good all covered up, knowing it will be somewhat protected.












The first thing that is going to happen is the cabinets will be installed. We are anticipating this as being our next major step towards completion, until this point we have really only had an empty shell of a proejct (minus the master bath of course!)